kimchi

With claims of healing everything from gut infections to skin disorders, are Probiotics worth the hype? If you’re like most people you have no idea of what they are, where they come from and what they can do for you. I’ll briefly give you the low down so you know exactly what the deal is.

What are Probiotics?

In essence Probiotics are microogranisms such as live bacteria and yeasts that are similiar to the beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. They are also called “good bacteria” or “friendly bacteria” Our bodies contain both – however when the “bad” bacteria outweighs the “good” issues will arrise. Now you may ask – how will the bad bacteria overgrow? Simple – from the daily use of tap water (chlorine kills good bacteria, allowing bad to flourish), repeated or long term use of Steroids or Antibiotics, and a diet that throws off the balance (one that is typically heavy in processed food, sugars and unorganics will wipe out the good bacteria, allowing the bad to take over. Even the person living the utmost healthy existence, avoiding most of the practices that kill good bacteria – one round of antibiotics without replacing the good bacteria (via Probiotics) could set up a domino effect of some major health issues.

What can they do for me?

Pretty much – EVERYTHING and ANYTHING! Believe the hype, these little buggers are everything they claim to be – just look at the list below:

Enhanced immune system response

Reduces negative affects of taking many types of antibiotics

Aids in preventing and treating colon inflammation following surgery

Helps to prevent eczema in youth

Increased ability to digest food

Therapeutic for viral respiratory tract infections by enhancing the overall immune system

Reduces lactose intolerance

Reduces incidence of yeast infections, vaginitis and candidiasis

Increases ability to assimilate the nutrients from food

Alleviates many common digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea and IBS

Enhances the skin – Since the skin is a reflection of inner health a healthy inner ecosystem = healthy outer appearance. Additionaly the better absorption of foods, vitamins & minerals also will benefit the skin

Reported to assist weight loss – with the benefits of better digestion and food transit through the body, less energy is wasted on digesting foods plus a clean gut absorbs nutrients better. When you crowd out the bad bacteria and let the good bacteria thrive your belly will eventually flatten – no bloating, no gas so in turn you will lose a few inches.

Reduced cravings for carbs and sugar.

Wow – pretty exhaustive list, isn’t it? And thats not even all the benefits. Basically, anyone following a healthy, unprocessed, organic, whole foods diet or cleansing regimen should definitely consider adding probiotics to their daily arsenal. One caveat though, if you’re going to continue eating “crap” – in the form of processed foods, excess sugars and unorganics – save your money! Probiotics are one of those things that will only work for you if YOU work for them. As seen above they are delicate flora that can easily be wiped out.

In my opinion, I can’t live without them! As soon as I stop the eczema flares ( a patch on the back of my neck), my skin doesn’t look as healthy and my digestion comes to a grinding halt. Now, I believe I just happen to be one of those people that really benefits from daily probiotic consumption (too many extended courses of antibiotics and medication). My probiotic of choice is fermented veggies – I just made a delicious batch of Kimchi and I can’t live without my Kefir water or occasional kombucha. There are really soo many delicious food sources of probiotics – you must try at least one. Now, with that being said, i also insure I back it up with daily dose of probiotic supplements – always rotating the brand/strength as they each offer something a bit different. Soo eat up, drink up- To your health 🙂